Adjacent to Okayama Castle, Korakuen is one of Japan's three most famous gardens along with Kairakuen in Mito, Ibaraki and Kenrokuen in Kanazawa, Ishikawa. Korakuen was completed in 1700 after 14 years of construction.26 views

Nicknamed the "Raven Castle" (Karasu-jo) due to its black exterior, it is a contrast with the "White Heron" Himeji Castle in neighboring Hyogo Prefecture. The castle is adjacent to Korakuen Garden.20 views

Bridge to Okayama Castle from Korakuen Garden.20 views

Okayama Castle and Asahi-gawa River serving as a natural moat. 旭川20 views

20 views

Map of Okayama Castle20 views

Akazu-no-mon Gate20 views

Akazu-no-mon Gate20 views

Bridge to Korakuen Garden20 views

Directions19 views

19 views

One entrance to Okayama Castle19 views

19 views

19 views

19 views

19 views

19 views

19 views

Part of a stone wall19 views

Where the castle palace once stood.19 views

The only remaining original building of Okayama Castle.19 views

19 views

19 views

19 views

Foundation stones19 views

19 views

19 views

19 views

Top floor of Okayama Castle 岡山城19 views

Shachihoko roof ornament on Okayama Castle.19 views

Shachihoko roof ornament on Okayama Castle.19 views

Shachihoko roof ornament on Okayama Castle.19 views

Shachihoko roof ornament on Okayama Castle.19 views

1st floor of Okayama Castle has gift shop. 岡山城19 views

1st floor of Okayama Castle19 views

19 views

18 views

"Sorry, not in service." What a polite bus in Okayama! Even in Japanese, it actually apologizes for not being in service. Also notice the cat ears on the roof, the painted whiskers, and the nickname "Tama Bus."18 viewsNicknamed after a stray cat named Nitama that was found in Okayama and adopted as the stationmaster of Idakiso Station in Wakayama. The original and nationally famous cat stationmaster named Tama at Kishi Station on the same train line died earlier this year. So Nitama took over. So happens that the train line's parent co. is the same as this bus company's based in Okayama.

Momotaro Peach Boy on a mailbox.16 views

JR Okayama Station is adorned with Momotaro, the legendary Peach Boy associated with Okayama.14 views